south florida teen driving accident prevention

Is Your Teen Ready to Drive? What Florida Parents Should Look For

by Auto AccidentsTeen Driving

 

As your teen approaches their 15th birthday, they have an exciting opportunity – the ability to get their learner’s permit. The Florida learner’s permit allows residents to start the journey toward driving – and freedom! However, in the immortal words of Uncle Ben from Spiderman (say it with us), “With great power comes great responsibility.”

You have probably already started to worry about your teenager getting behind the wheel. After all, motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teens in America. Distracting phones, friends, and reckless drivers on the road can take a person’s life in an instant. Additionally, while poor drivers can be found in every single age bracket, younger drivers tend to be especially risky.

Is your teenager really ready to take on the responsibility of driving safely?

It’s a question that every parent has to answer for themselves, but there are signs you can look for to help you decide. If your teenager displays the following, they are likely ready to get their permit. If not, you might want to wait a year (or two) before letting them get behind the wheel.

Here are some signs your teenager is ready to drive:

Self-Control (Especially with Their Phone)

The National Safety Council reports that over 3,000 people are killed in the United States due to a distracted driver every year. One of the biggest distractions is cell phones – responding to a text can instantly become a life-or-death situation when behind the wheel. Can your teenager put away their phone while they drive?

If your teenager is too addicted to their phone, they may not be able to resist turning it off while they drive. Not only is texting while driving dangerous, it could also get them in trouble with the law. If you constantly have to take your teen’s phone away or have a hard time communicating with them due to their phone usage, it may be best not to hand over the keys.

Is Your Teen Ready to Drive? What Florida Parents Should Look For

Safe Riding

The rules of being a safe driver often apply to passengers as well. The next time you drive your teenager somewhere, take a look at how they behave and stay safe.

Did they buckle up? Do they take on the role of navigator so that you can drive without distractions? On the other hand, did they tell you to speed up at any point? Did they distract you? Did they turn the music all the way up and focus more on the lyrics than road signs?

If a teenager takes their position in the car seriously, they may be ready to get behind the wheel.

Adherence to House Rules

There are a lot of rules on the road: speed limits, giving pedestrians and certain cars the right of way, curfews for young drivers, and so on. If your teen does not follow these rules, they could get pulled over and ticketed. (Or worse, they could cause an accident and hurt themselves or others.)

Teenagers who are ready to drive are those who can be trusted with these rules – but how do you know this until they get behind the wheel? One sign is their attitude toward rules in general. Does your teenager tend to obey rules given to them by authority figures, or do you catch them breaking rules often? If they don’t obey the rules at home, they most likely won’t obey the rules of the road.

Knowledge of “Safe” Driving

Have a conversation with your teenager about what it means to be a “safe” driver. Not just a “good” driver, but a safe one.

Leave the conversation open to see what your teenager thinks. If they mention the ability to follow the rules and stay alert, they are probably ready to start practicing.

Trust your instincts. If you talk to your teenager and feel that they need to mature before they get behind the wheel, hold back and give them a few months before they get their permit. (Or enroll them in a driver’s education course.)

Teen Driving Accident Attorneys

Remember – unsafe driving could cost your teenager their life. Listen to your gut and only allow them to start driving when you feel confident in their ability to stay safe.

Want more information about teaching your teenager to drive? Read our comprehensive guide to teen driving on our website.

 

south florida accident fault law firm

Single-Car Crashes: Are They Always the Driver’s Fault?

by Auto Accidents

Recently 3 people were killed after a Range Rover had collided into a car on Sunset Drive in Miami. 

The crash occurred just before 6 a.m. at the intersection of Sunset Drive and Southwest 92nd Avenue.

Now, on its face,  the sounds pretty cut-and-dry. After all, it’s certainly not unheard of for inexperienced drivers to get into accidents – or to not be able to control their vehicles.

 

Moreover, most single driver accidents are caused by the person driving the vehicle in question. Perhaps they made a driving mistake. Or crashed due to distracted driving. Maybe they were drinking.

 

Because of these things, it’s easy to simply assume that the driver is the one to blame for the crash – but what if they weren’t?

 

In Florida, if you are involved in a one-vehicle accident, it is not automatically your fault in every circumstance. Sometimes it may be due to another’s negligence, and if this is the case, you may be able to recover damages from them. Today we’ll explain the ways a single car crash may not be your fault and how you can get help if you have been injured.

 

Unpreventable Situations

 

Sometimes situations occur that you have no control over but cause an accident anyway. These are the types of situations that may have caused your auto accident.

 

  • You may react to a cyclist who swerves into your lane or suddenly passes you by veering onto the shoulder, which causes you to crash into the guardrail.
  • You might be forced to hit a building to avoid hitting a pedestrian who jumps out in front of you.
  • You might crash into a road sign if a person unexpectedly opens the door of their parked car.
  • You may unintentionally run off the road and damage a fence if another driver tosses litter onto the highway and it lands on your windshield.
  • You may swerve to avoid a blown-out tire from a tractor trailer and cause damage to a highway overpass support.
  • You may run into a tree if you suddenly react to rocks hitting your windshield from a dump truck in front of you.
  • You may have a single auto accident if a deer, dog, cat, squirrel, hawk, or any other animal enters your driving path.

 

In many of these cases, another person or entity may be held responsible due to negligence.

 

For example, a truck hauling gravel may be held liable for not properly securing its load. A tractor trailer truck company with a tire blowout may be liable for lack of proper safety inspections. A cyclist or pedestrian who was not obeying traffic laws may be held accountable for negligence.

 

It all depends on your situation and the knowledge of a skilled Florida criminal attorney who can advise you on your case.

 

Single-Car Crashes - Are They Always the Driver's Fault - Road Issues

Road Problems

 

The government is responsible for maintaining safe roads. If you have a single auto accident due to poor road design, a malfunctioning stoplight, a missing road sign, or a pothole, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the government entity with jurisdiction over the area.

 

These types of lawsuits are extremely particular and have special restrictions, though, so it’s essential that you work with a knowledgeable attorney on any government entity case.

 

Additionally, if the road problem was caused by an oil spill from a leaking or overturned truck, you may have grounds to sue the trucking company for negligence. Again, you will need the expertise of an experienced auto accident lawyer to seek damages in this case.

 

Manufacturing Defects

 

It’s possible that your accident occurred due to a defect or malfunction in your vehicle. It may have occurred during the vehicle’s manufacture, such as a bad computer chip. It may also be a defect in a part added to your vehicle, such as a new battery, tires, or brake pads.

 

If your attorney can prove that the vehicle or product manufacturer was negligent, you may have grounds for a product liability lawsuit. These types of cases can be highly complex, and it’s essential for you to work with an attorney who has proven success in these types of cases.

 

Get Legal Help for Your Auto Accident

 

Don’t assume responsibility for damages that resulted from your auto accident until you speak to a lawyer. Your attorney will know if the other party can be held responsible for negligence, and they may need to pay for your injuries and damages.

 

Get Legal Help for Your Florida Auto Accident

 

Call for a free case review today. We’ll help you understand how the laws apply to your specific case.

 

 

 

 

 

wilton manors accident

Deadly Car Accident at the Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade

by Auto AccidentsDriverless VehiclesMulti Car AccidentsPedestrian AccidentsPeoplePersonal InjuryPersonal Injury ClaimsPersonal Injury LawyerProperty DamageWrongful Death

It was early Saturday evening in Wilton Mantors when a white pickup truck struck two people just before the Stonewall Pride Parade was set to begin. The 2011 white Dodge Ram was the lead vehichle that had lined up with other floats when it accelerated and ran over two men standing by to take part in the parade around 7 p.m. on Wilton Drive near 16th Street.

 

The driver of the truck that plowed into the two victims was a 77-year-old man, who police say had physical ailments that prevented him from walking the parade route and because of it, was selected to be the lead vehicle of the parade. A DUI test showed no signs of impairment on the driver’s behalf.

wilton manors parade sceneFirst responders within the crowd quickly helped the two men who were hit, performing CPR. One of the victims was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. The second victim is expected to survive.

 

“It was bad,” said Keith Witusik, a mechanic at the Fort Lauderdale Garden Center. “I was like, ‘Oh my God. I can’t believe this is happening.’”

Deadly Car Accident at the Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade 1 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law FirmFlorida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, who was at the Stonewall Pride Parade event, along with U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Ted Deutch, confirmed the incident on Twitter and said the driver was in custody.

Wasserman Schultz said “I am deeply shaken and devastated that a life was lost and others seriously injured at tonight’s Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade. My staff, volunteers and I are, thankfully, safe. I want to thank our first responders for their heroic efforts as both police and emergency medical personnel stepped into action quickly. We’re praying for the victims and their loved ones as law enforcement investigates and I am providing them with whatever assistance I can. I am so heartbroken by what took place at this celebration. May the memory of the life lost be for a blessing.”

Deadly Car Accident at the Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade 2 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law FirmWilton Manors Vice Mayor Paul Rolli said Sunday that the early investigation shows it was an accident. It has been confirmed that the driver of the truck and the victims are all members of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus.

 

Those are a lot of unfair hurdles the survivor will have to overcome.

Car accidents victims are expected to take care of this process on top of the added stress of being injured, spending time in the hospital, and/or missing time from work. That’s simply not fair to car accident victims – and that’s why we are here to help you get through it together.

All car accidents are serious. Even minor collisions can lead to costly car repairs, medical treatment, and lingering injuries. Stress and financial costs associated with car accidents can quickly spiral out of control. Without proper representation, you may find yourself left holding the bag without anyone to help you.

 

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a car accident in South Florida, you will want the right law firm and attorneys that can maximize the amount of money you receive for the harms and losses you have suffered. The lawyers at The South Florida Injury Law Firm have exceptional experience in dealing with all types of automobile collisions, as well as an in-depth knowledge of Florida car insurance coverage and liability laws.

 

Conveniently located for residents of Boynton Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach and South Florida, the Law Offices of The South Florida Injury Law Firm are in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. However, if you have the need, your Boynton Beach personal injury attorney can visit you in your home or, if necessary, in the hospital. To contact a Boca Raton injury lawyer with The South Florida Injury Law Firm you can call 954.764.7377 anytime 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Or fill out the convenient online form for a free case evaluation. Remember, the consultation is free and you will owe nothing until recovery of benefits is made.

Avoid Florida Car Crashes and Stay Safe with These Top Safety Features

Avoid Florida Car Crashes and Stay Safe with These Top Safety Features

by Auto AccidentsAutomobile Safety

 

Voice assist. Self-parking cars. Forward collision warnings.

There are many possible safety features you can get for cars today, but not all of them are created equal. Some are incredibly useful and drastically reduce your chances of getting into an accident (or increase your chances of survival if you are in one), while others fall more into the “luxury” category.

With that in mind, we thought we would look at some of the best, most effective safety features available in automobiles today. Some of these are more-or-less standard on most vehicles, while others need to be added on… for an additional price.

Seatbelts

Yes, we’re starting with both the obvious and (hopefully) unexpected choice. Why seatbelts? Because they work. According to the CDC, wearing a seatbelt is the best way to reduce serious injury or death when someone is in a crash.

These days, though, seatbelts are also getting some nice new bells and whistles. Adjustable upper belts change the positioning of the shoulder belt, both to make it more comfortable and potentially to help avoid serious injury for those who might otherwise have the “shoulder” belt across their neck. Pretensioners are designed to instantly remove all slack from seat belts in the event of an impact.

Automatic Emergency Braking

The basic idea is that your car will automatically apply the brakes to slow or stop the vehicle if it senses an impending crash. This can help minimize the impact – and possibly avoid it altogether.

With distracted driving at an all-time high, it’s no wonder that this feature will become standard by 2022.

Adaptive Headlights

Headlights are great… until you find yourself driving on a winding road at night or approaching sharp corners. Because until you turn your entire car in the right direction, you won’t be able to see anything.

Adaptive headlights are designed to eliminate this problem by pivoting depending on how you move the steering wheel. In other words, as you turn the steering wheel left to make a left turn, the lights will focus in that direction before the car turns, giving you extra time to react to previously unseen dangers.

Blind Spot Monitoring

Have you ever checked for cars and started to change lanes – only to have an unseen vehicle next to you lay on the horn? Probably.

Blind spot monitoring aims to change that. It scans the rear corners of your car and lights up your side mirrors when it detects a vehicle there. The catch: the blind spot warning only turns on when you use your turn signals.

360-Degree Parking Camera

If you’ve ever tried to back into a tiny space in a South Florida parking garage, you can already imagine how valuable this piece of safety technology is. You can literally see all around your vehicle as you pull in, almost like you’re playing a video game where you’re outside of the car.

Obviously, it’s not going to protect you from any fast-moving collisions, but it can stop you from smacking into something – or someone – while trying to park.

Technology Can’t Always Save You, But It Can Help

South Florida Car Accident Lawyer

Obviously, newer and better safety features won’t stop every crash or injury that might occur. Everyone makes bad decisions while driving sometimes. And even if you make all the right choices, that doesn’t mean the other driver will.

Still, utilizing the safety features that work the best and make the most sense for you can go a long way towards reducing your risk and minimizing the suffering you endure if you ever are in an accident.

 

 

You're in a Car Crash – What Florida Law Requires You to Do

Auto Accident in Plantation Leaves 2 Dead on Sunrise Boulevard

by Auto AccidentsAutomobile SafetyMulti Car AccidentsPersonal InjuryPersonal Injury Lawyer

 

 

  • A deadly auto accident happened in Plantation Florida near 441 on NW 47th Avenue and Sunrise Boulevard.
  • Two people were killed in a sedan after being hit by an SUV.
  • The impact tore the sedan’s front and rear axles completely off.
  • Sunrise Boulevard  was completely reopened just before 1PM

 

 

According to initial reports by Plantation police, the Honda sedan was attempting to turn from the eastbound lanes on Sunrise Boulevard with the intention of either going north on 43rd Avenue or making a U-turn to go west on Sunrise Boulevard. Lanes of West Sunrise Boulevard in Plantation were closed in both directions shortly after 5 a.m. By 9:45 a.m., only the two left lanes had remained closed.

 

 

 

 

The Honda can be seen missing its entire front end and almost appears to be split in half. The Mercedes SUV sustained significant front end damage. The accident is still under investigation by Plantation police and fire departments and charges are reportedly pending related to the accident.

 

 

auto accident on sunrise boulevard

Every driver has a responsibility to drive in a cautious and courteous manner. With so many drivers sharing Florida roadways, no amount of defensive driving can protect you from the negligent and reckless behavior of another driver.

 

For many Floridians, it isn’t if you will be involved in a crash, but when.

 

If you find yourself in a car accident, there are a number of different things that you should probably do. Get yourself medical help. Take pictures and gather evidence. Call a lawyer. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and even confused following a car accident. Let alone the concerns surrounding medical bills, repair needed and whether or not you will be able to return to work.

 

In fact, we’ve written guides about what to do after a crash. However, you don’t have to do many of those things. If you wanted to, you could skip a lot of them.

 

Not all of them, though. There are some things that Florida law actually requires you to do if you are involved in a crash. Below, we’re going to go over what those are.

Stop at the scene of the auto accident

 

Hopefully, this goes without saying, but you cannot simply drive away after the car crash. You must first stop and fulfill the other duties detailed below first. Otherwise, it could be classified as a hit and run.

Hurt in a Florida Spring Break Car Crash? You Can Fight BackIf you leave a crash where someone else was injured, this is a third-degree felony, and you can face up to five years in prison or five years of probation, a $5,000 fine, and driver’s license revocation. If someone dies in the car crash, then it is a first-degree felony, with penalties of up to 30 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and driver’s license revocation. There is a mandatory minimum prison sentence of two years if you were driving under the influence.

 

If it is only property that was damaged, then it is a second-degree misdemeanor, with penalties of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

 

Get help for anyone who has been injured

 

If the other person requires or requests medical treatment, you are obligated to provide “reasonable assistance.” This means things like transporting or making arrangements to transport the person to a doctor or hospital. Often, your best course of action is to call 9-1-1.

 

Move your car out of the way

 

If your car is blocking traffic, you are required to move your car or call for help, such as from a tow truck, if you are unable to do so.

 

Provide your name and address to the other driver

 

You must also show your driver’s license or permit and vehicle registration number if requested. In the situation where the other person is not able to receive that information, then you are required to report the crash.

 

Provide information to investigating police officers

 

You must share your driver’s license, vehicle registration, address, and other information. Don’t discuss fault at this point. Just answers questions honestly. You never know what the other driver may or may not have been doing.

 

Boca Raton Car Accident Attorneys

Report the accident in some cases

 

You are required to report the accident to the local police department, sheriff, or the Florida Highway Patrol if there are injuries, death, or damage over $500. You are also required to do so if either driver is intoxicated.

 

You don’t have to file a crash report if the investigating officer does so, but you should confirm that they actually did so. Also, your crash report should include up-to-date information about your car insurance.

 

Once you do these things, you can be on your way if you wish. However, you could be missing out if the other driver’s negligence caused the accident. This is something that’s not always easy to tell when you’re involved. The best way to know for sure is to reach out to a knowledgeable Florida car crash lawyer and talk to them about your case.

 

 

 

ride sharing uber lyft car lawyers

Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident? Here’s What You Need to Know

by Auto AccidentsUber Accidents

 

Uber and Lyft have really made getting around town a lot easier. The apps are simple to use, the cars are relatively inexpensive, and getting a ride only takes a few minutes.

Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident? Here's What You Need to Know 3 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

However, as wonderful as Uber and Lyft are for convenience when you need a quick lift, it is important to remember that the drivers are like anyone else who you trust to get behind the wheel. Accidents happen.

 

Since ridesharing apps are a fairly new trend, questions about liability and insurance can be confusing. Read below to get a better understanding on what your options are after getting into an auto accident involving a rideshare company in Florida.

 

What Is HB221?

 

Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft are praised for their innovation, but it often causes confusion and debate over legal issues. They have a different business model than most taxi companies (all Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors) and are held to different standards than taxis.

 

Florida is starting to clear up some of the confusion about the standards rideshare drivers are held to, though. In the beginning of April, Florida’s House of Representative passed HB221. In addition to requirements regarding background checks, the bill requires all rideshare drivers to hold insurance to cover $50,000 for death or bodily injury per person, $100,000 per incident, and $25,000 for property damage.

 

While these amounts are far more than most drivers in Florida are required to carry, requiring bodily injury insurance brings in the question of fault. If you are in an accident, it is important to take note of any unsafe behaviors displayed by the Uber/Lyft driver, or any other drivers involved.

 

The bill is on its way to the Senate, but it still has a decent journey ahead before it can become law. Why is the legislature even going to the trouble? Because Uber and Lyft won’t cover everything.

 

Uber’s and Lyft’s $1 Million Insurance Policies

 

Florida is putting these requirements on rideshare drivers to cover incidents that Uber or Lyft will not.

 

Both companies boast $1 million insurance coverage, which is great for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who are injured while a ride is taking place. The coverage does not, however, cover drivers who don’t have customers in their car – even if they are on their way to pick a customer up. Again, Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, so they do not have to cover their drivers if they do not have an Uber customer in their car.

 

If you are an Uber driver, talk to your insurance company about coverage while you are driving. While many insurance companies offer a rideshare-specific policy, others will not cover accidents while you are driving (you may be considered “on the job”). Even if you have a rideshare insurance policy, check in with the provider about what may change if HB221 is signed into law.

 

Boca Raton Uber Auto Accident Attorney

Even if your car is not involved in the accident, treat this crash like any other auto accident. Collect the names, insurance providers, and contact information of everyone involved. Record witness testimony and take photos of the accident. Seek medical help within 14 days of your accident in order to receive compensation from your PIP coverage – you may receive compensation quicker if you go through your personal insurance company.

 

As the laws regarding Uber and Lyft are on the verge of changing, navigating your insurance after an accident may be more confusing. Talk to a South Florida lawyer about your options for receiving compensation for your Uber accident lawsuit after being injured in a ridesharing accident.

 

 

thanksgiving black friday car accidents

Thanksgiving and Black Friday Accidents in South Florida

by Auto Accidents

Thanksgiving and Black Friday are almost here, and people everywhere are getting ready for the feasting and family fun. However, while you prep for the festivities, it’s important to be aware of the fact that auto accidents spike over the Thanksgiving and Black Friday weekend.

 

In fact, compared to the two weeks before Thanksgiving weekend and the two weeks afterward, the national auto accident rates significantly increase. This makes sense, because according to a report by AAA auto club, over 90 percent of those traveling on Thanksgiving do so by automobile.

More cars on the road mean more opportunities for crashes to occur, and Florida residents know that our roads are dangerous enough without extra traffic.

You and your family could be at risk if you are traveling for the holiday. Stay safe by learn what dangers you could face and how to avoid them.

 

What to Watch Out For and How to Stay Safe

 

If you are going shopping on Thursday or Friday, know that most accidents happen in parking lots. Be careful as both a driver and a pedestrian, staying alert to everyone around you.

 

If you observe smart driving tips from Wednesday through Monday of the busy holiday weekend, you’ll put yourself in a lower risk category for an accident. Here are several steps you can take to drive safer this Thanksgiving:

 

  • Get your oil changed, fluids checked, and tires aired up before you hit the road.
  • Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition.
  • Don’t let your gasoline level get too low at any point of the trip.
  • Wear your seat belt. One report by the NHTSA states that over 60 percent of fatalities in Thanksgiving weekend car crashes occur due to not being buckled in.
  • If you’ve had anything to drink, let someone else drive. According to the same NHTSA report above, four out of every 10 fatal car crashes over Thanksgiving involve drunk driving.
  • Don’t drive with distractions, especially your phone. Also resist the temptation to eat, change the radio settings, or reach for something while driving.
  • Stay within speed limits. Leave early to avoid rushing.
  • Be a courteous driver. Don’t tailgate or make rude gestures. Yield to other drivers – it’s not worth risking a dangerous road rage incident.

 

Boca Raton Construction Zone Auto Accidents

 

  • Slow down in construction zones.
  • Don’t drive fatigued—it can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. Take frequent breaks and switch drivers if possible.
  • For extra safety, keep your lights on. Make sure your lights are clean so they are fully visible.
  • If you are shopping on Black Friday, park as far away as possible and use extra caution backing out.

What If You Are in a Thanksgiving Accident?

 

Enduring an accident over Thanksgiving weekend can be a harrowing and painful experience. If someone else caused a crash that caused you injuries and vehicle damage, you should not be held responsible for the costs involved.

 

To hold someone else legally responsible, you must be able to prove they acted with negligence. This means they should have known how to drive responsibly but failed to do so, which caused losses on your part.

 

Acts of negligence while driving include the following:

 

  • Failure to yield to another driver or pedestrian
  • Failure to turn headlights on
  • Failure to adjust to weather-related road conditions
  • Distracted driving
  • Recklessness in a construction zone
  • Tailgating
  • Switching lanes without a signal
  • Pulling out in front of other drivers
  • Speeding
  • Fatigue
  • Driving while intoxicated—this type of negligence causes almost one-third of all fatalities among car crashes in Florida each year

 

Boca Raton Drunk Driving Car Accident Attorney

 

Unfortunately, Thanksgiving weekend has highest number of drunk driving deaths for all holidays. Additionally, tens of thousands of non-fatal accidents also occur over Thanksgiving weekend. If you are involved in an accident this Thanksgiving, it’s important to get the legal help you need as soon as possible.

 

Our firm has successfully handled many car crash cases. Our seasoned legal team can help you get the compensation you deserve if you have been injured in a car crash. We know how to fight the insurance companies who may resist paying your claim. We can represent your best interests in court by finding the best evidence to support your case. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

 

 

 

south florida accident behind the wheel distractions

The South Florida Seven Most Dangerous Driving Situations

by Auto AccidentsDistracted DrivingTexting & Driving

It’s your car—the vehicle that gets you to work every day, that carries your groceries home, shelters you and your family on road trips. For many Americans, it can be nearly impossible to see their beloved motor vehicle as a hazard.

 

Massive, heavy, and fast-moving, cars can become dangerous weapons when driving improperly or recklessly. Every year, motor vehicle crashes claim the lives of nearly 37,000 Americans and leave an additional 2.35 million seriously injured, according to data from the Association for Safe International Road Travel.

 

Too often, fatal auto accidents are caused by driver error or negligence. Below, we’ve listed seven of the most dangerous things drivers do behind the wheel that frequently lead to tragic accidents.

 

 

Driving While Distracted


Many are often surprised to learn that distracted driving is the leading cause of auto accidents, surpassing even drunk driving according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. To combat the scourge of distracted driving, Florida lawmakers have passed legislation that prohibits texting while driving and enacted measures to discourage this behavior.

However, texting and driving isn’t the only dangerous distracted driving behavior. Making phone calls, fiddling with GPS or music systems, grooming, and even talking to passengers are all examples of activities that can take a driver’s attention away from the road and lead to serious accident. In many cases, simply being lost in thought can be enough of a distraction to cause a serious auto accident. You can prevent distracted driving accidents by making a conscious effort to keep your eyes, hands, and attention away from distractions and on the road.

 

Driving While Intoxicated

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may seem like an obvious danger, yet hundreds of thousands of Americans are still involved in drunk driving crashes each year, according to reports from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Drinking not only impairs a driver’s ability to drive, but to react to things occurring around them and respond appropriately to potentially dangerous situations. That’s why it’s a good idea to avoid driving entirely after drinking even in moderate amounts, opting instead to ride with a sober friend or take a cab or public transportation.

 

The South Florida Seven Most Dangerous Driving SituationsDriving Drowsy

Driving while tired may feel like a necessary evil after a long day of work or a restless night, but doing so can endanger not just the driver, but everyone else on the road around them. When a driver’s body is sleep deprived, their reaction time is slowed and they can quite easily fall asleep at the wheel. Driving drowsy increases the likelihood of serious, often fatal accidents. You can do your part to prevent these types of accidents by pulling over to a safe place to rest if you catch yourself drifting off.

Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Driving Above or Below the Speed Limit

When it comes to speeding, the science behind its dangers is clear. Based on the laws of physics, the faster a car is driving, the more severe the potential accident will be. However, some studies have found that driving below the speed limit can be dangerous too, since it can disrupt the flow and predictability of traffic. The bottom line: follow posted speed limits and pay attention to the average speed of the other drivers around you to avoid speed-related crashes.

 

The South Florida Seven Most Dangerous Driving Situations 4 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law FirmDriving with Road Rage

When stress and frustration turn into road rage, accidents and undesirable confrontations follow. Road rage may include making obscene gestures, yelling insults, or purposely driving in an unsafe manner. If you believe another driver on the road is experiencing road rage, stay calm, and try to move away from him or her as soon as possible.

Driving With Road Rage

Driving without a Seatbelt

According to government reports, seatbelts save more than 13,000 lives nationwide every year. It may seem harmless to hop in the car without putting on a seatbelt if you’re just heading around the corner, but a large number of crashes occur at low speeds and close to the point of embarkation. Make sure your seatbelt is securely fastened before starting up the engine, and double-check to ensure your passengers do the same.

The South Florida Seven Most Dangerous Driving Situations 5 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

 

Failing to Yield

Running red lights, breezing through stop signs, and failing to yield the right of way can lead to serious collisions. Freeway merge ramps in particular can become death traps when drivers fail to observe traffic laws and signs. Make the roads safer for you and everyone around you by adhering to traffic laws and keeping an eye on things happening around you.

 

The 7 Most Dangerous Things Drivers Do behind the Wheel

Of course, just because you practice safe driving doesn’t mean other drivers on the road will do the same. If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident due to another’s dangerous driving behavior, consult with a knowledgeable Florida auto accident attorney.

 

A skilled personal injury lawyer may be able to help you hold the other driver accountable for their reckless or negligent behavior, and obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs related to recovery. By holding the driver responsible for their dangerous decisions, you can help make the road safer for yourself and your community.

 

 

south florida thunderstorm rain auto accidents

Keeping Safe While Driving In South Florida Rain

by Auto AccidentsDistracted DrivingDUI AccidentsMedical MalpracticePedestrian AccidentsPersonal InjuryPersonal Injury ClaimsVacation Injuries

Living in South Florida, it’s inevitable to deal with rain. According to statistics by US Climate Data, the West Palm Beach alone area receives 62 inches of precipitation annually. When researchers ranked the top 10 wettest cities to live in, two of which are in South Florida (Miami and West Palm Beach).

 

Driving  in South Florida is a dangerous and even deadly situation to be in under wet conditions. More than 7 thousand people lose their life in weather-related auto accidents.
According to statistics by US Climate Data, the West Palm Beach area receives 62 inches of precipitation annually.
When researchers ranked the top 10 wettest cities to live in, two of which are in South Florida (Miami and West Palm Beach).

 

The AMA (American Meteorological Society) published a study that highlights the increase of dangerous road conditions and the elevated risk involved.

 

“[Scott] Stevens, a data analyst and meteorologist at the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, and colleagues looked at 125,012 fatal car crashes in the Lower 48 states from 2006 to 2011, factoring in how many cars are on the road, to calculate the risk of a fatal accident. While other studies have used police reports and the nearest weather station to calculate rain and snow conditions, Stevens said his is the first study to use more precise weather radar data. It was able to distinguish how hard the rain or snow was falling to come up with results showing an increase in fatal crashes even in rain of less than one-tenth of an inch per hour.”

 

All the evidence points to the same: when the road is wet, your chance of being involved in an accident can drastically increase. As the visibility level lowers due to rain and how the road becomes slippery when water has accumulated on it.

Hydroplaning becomes an issue when rain is especially heavy – a common occurrence in Florida. Hydroplaning refers to a situation when a car starts to slide uncontrollably because of the tires encountering more water that it can scatter. As the water carries the car, the brakes and other controls become useless. Quick turns and movements on wet roads can also cause the vehicle to hydroplane as well.

 

 

The Hazard of Hazard Lights

You may see other drivers with hazard lights flashing to indicate they are moving slower than surrounding traffic during stormy conditions. But in Florida, it’s actually illegal to use hazard lights while driving unless you are part of a funeral procession. Flashing lights were designed with the express purpose of indicating a hazard to other drivers, and they should only be activated when your vehicle is a hazard on the side of the road. Using them under any other circumstance is not only unnecessary, but it also causes confusion. If it’s raining, the only lights you should turn on are your headlights.

Rainy weather may make driving more difficult, but it does not relieve drivers of their responsibilities behind the wheel. With proper vehicle maintenance, knowledge of local laws and a bit of common sense, you can travel safer during a downpour along with a helpful tips to keep in mind.

 

 

Keeping Safe While Driving In South Florida Rain 6 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

5 Tips to avoid an auto accident
in slippery road conditions

Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Tires with weak tread may not grip a wet road as well as newer tires with thicker tread. Make sure your tires are safe for the roads.
Before setting out when rain is present or forecasted, it is even more important than normal to make sure your tires are in good shape and have adequate tread depth since bald tires can increase the risk of hydroplaning.

Gust Awareness
Drive at a speed that compensates for high speed gusts that can otherwise impact your vehicle.
Watch out for larger vehicles.
Larger vehicles are much harder to control when it is windy and can have difficulty staying in their lane.

Maintain Distance
Maintain a large distance with the car in front of you. Cars may have difficulty stopping due to wet conditions. Brake earlier than usual, and apply less force to increase the stopping distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you while also alerting the driver behind you that you are reducing your speed.

Know Anything Can Happen
Often times during storms, other drivers fail to drive safely. Make sure to watch around you and drive defensively.

Get There Safe, Not Fast
Getting to your destination without an accident is more important than keeping a schedule. Maintain a safe speed limit and be sure to obey all traffic rules and signals. Drive more slowly, take turns slowly, and be sure to give your fellow motorists ample following distance.

In other words, when it rains, whether heavy or light, slow it down. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself and others when driving in the rain is adjusting how you drive according to the current weather conditions.

 

 

Keeping Safe While Driving In South Florida Rain 7 Auto Accidents South Florida Injury Law Firm

Have you been involved in an
auto accident under rainy conditions?

Sadly, even riders who follow the above tips can still end up hurt by a reckless or distracted driver.
Determining which driver is at fault for an accident requires an investigation of the collision. The investigation involves the review of all pieces of evidence that are available, such as photographs or video surveillance of the accident, testimony from any witnesses to the accident, and a digital reconstruction of the accident that incorporates all relevant factors, such as the rainy weather.

If you were hurt in an auto accident because of a drunk, distracted, or otherwise reckless driver, you can call The South Florida Injury Law Firm anytime at (954) 488-JEFF – we’re available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Complete our online form to get a free case evaluation and our team will assist with the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on your health . Remember, the consultation is completely free! That means you don’t owe us anything until we recover for you.